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Enchanted Europe (Eastbound) 2023

From Zurich, Switzerland to Budapest, Hungary
Length: 16 Days - Departs: Wed, Jul 05, 2023
Operator
Ship
Departure
Jul 05, 2023
Arrival
Jul 20, 2023

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Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON AVALON WATERWAYS (GLOBUS) CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Guaranteed!

$599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3148
Promotion Image

$599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

$599 Air on select 2023 Europe River Cruises

Promotion Details
Book a select 2023 Europe river cruise to receive $599 round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD) CHS, CLT, DFW, DTW, FLL, IAH, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA), PBI, PHL, PIT, RDU, RSW, SAN, SEA, SFO, SLC, TPA, WAS (BWI, DCA, IAD). Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Sun, Apr 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise to receive $599 round-trip economy class trans-Atlantic air from ATL, BOS, CHI (MDW, ORD) CHS, CLT, DFW, DTW, FLL, IAH, LAX, MIA, MCO, MSP, NYC (EWR, JFK, LGA), PBI, PHL, PIT, RDU, RSW, SAN, SEA, SFO, SLC, TPA, WAS (BWI, DCA, IAD). Other gateway cities available from $100 to $1,075/person additional (inclusive of taxes/fees). $599 air offer is based on lowest-priced economy class Flex airfare available for booking at time of reservation and scheduled to coincide with cruise itinerary; pre-assigned airline seats are limited and may not be available on all air segments. Alternate schedules may be available at an additional cost. In lieu of $599 Air a different promotion can be offered by calling Avalon Waterways. Quotes available online, calling Avalon Waterways or by calling a Travel Professional. Limited to new bookings for US originating travelers and economy class Flex air tickets; must be booked & under deposit between January 3, 2023 and April 30, 2023 for select cruises in 2023. A $550 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. Flight deviations are allowed when purchasing extra nights through Avalon Waterways only. Offer does not apply to instant purchase air, custom, or charters. Groups of 8 passengers or more don't qualify for this offer. Please call for Group promotion options. Offer is combinable with select $$ off promotions, Welcome Back Credit, and select account specific offers. Promotional discounts do not carry forward on voluntarily changed air bookings; other promotions at time of change may be available. Once ticketed, air reservations subject to change/cancellation penalties of between $300 per ticket and 100% of ticket value. Changes to ticketed air reservations (including itineraries involving free round-trip trans-Atlantic air) also subject to airfare differentials between originally ticketed air itinerary and re-ticketed air itinerary. Additional airline baggage fees may apply; visit www.iflybags.com for details. Air schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to return travel date. Flight schedules, routings and air carriers are at the discretion of Globus family of brands. Additional restrictions apply; see Travel Terms for details. Air tickets are non-commissionable. Offer is capacity controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. CST#2017032-20.

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Mention Promo Code: PT2971
Promotion Image

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Save $4,000 on select 2023 Europe cruises for groups of 8 or more

Promotion Details
Book a select Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $4000 off per couple ($2000 off per person) on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com everyday savings.
Must Book By Sun, Apr 30, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

*Book a select 2023 Avalon Waterways Europe river cruise for 8 or more people to receive $2000 off per person on the cruise/land or cruise only price. Group Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between January 4, 2022 and April 30, 2023 for travel on select 2023 departures. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Combinable with Welcome Back Credit, Peace of Mind Credit and Group Advantage Program. Promotional discount will apply to Groups of 8 or more who provide their Group Block Deposit within the promotion's booking dates and will apply to all individual members of the Group until the due date of the passenger names/non-refundable individual deposits. Cannot be used in conjunction with any air promotion. Applies to new group bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing group bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. Offer applies to participating GFOB offices only.


River Cruise Itinerary

Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland. You’ll sail to Breisach, your starting point for a Black Forest excursion, and to the city of Strasbourg, France, along the way. Sail to Rüdesheim and through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. The modern and charming city of Frankfurt is also on your route along the Rhine, and you’ll sail on the Main River to visit an authentic village. Visit Würzburg, and take a guided tour of Bamberg, before reaching Nuremberg, from where you will take a full-day excursion to Munich. Sail from Nuremberg to Regensburg, the only German city not bombed during WWII. Cruise next to Passau, with its narrow streets and baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In Melk, you will visit Austria’s majestic Benedictine Abbey. Take in the breathtaking views before continuing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the romantic sights of Vienna, the “City of Music.” Your European river cruise ends in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, with guided sightseeing and free time to explore this vibrant city on your own.

  1. Day 1
    BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)
    Wed, Jul 05, 2023
    Welcome to Switzerland! Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding. Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board as you sail to Breisach.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH (D)
  2. Day 2
    BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST
    Thu, Jul 06, 2023
    German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black ForestDISCOVERY Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR: DISCOVERY Visit to a local winery in Breisach, where you will learn about German winemaking and enjoy a wine tasting.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO STRASBOURG (B,L,D)
  3. Day 3
    STRASBOURG, FRANCE
    Fri, Jul 07, 2023
    A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.CLASSIC Join a City Tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM(B,L,D)
  4. Day 4
    RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY–RHINE GORGE
    Sat, Jul 08, 2023
    Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine CountryACTIVE Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, OR:DISCOVERY Tour the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR: ACTIVE Take an open-air Cable Car Ride to the Niederwald Monument, then ride or walk back down through the vineyards; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat.This afternoon, stretch out on the Sky Deck as you pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge on your way to Boppard. BOPPARDA Peaceful Jewel in the Rhine Gorge Enjoy some free time to relax, or explore the Rheinallee Promenade for delicatessen fare with a cup of German coffee or glass of Riesling wine. Later, enjoy onboard entertainment while sailing to Frankfurt.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO FRANKFURT(B,L,D)
  5. Day 5
    FRANKFURT. EXCURSION TO SELIGENSTADT
    Sun, Jul 09, 2023
    Charm in FrankfurtACTIVE Enjoy a biking experience in the city of Frankfurt with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Frankfurt to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods, OR: DISCOVERY Take a Guided Tour to Seligenstadt—one of Germany’s oldest towns and home to the Einhard Basilika—dubbed “minor basilica” in 1925 by Pope Pius XI.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MAIN RIVER VILLAGE(B,L,D)
  6. Day 6
    MAIN RIVER VILLAGE
    Mon, Jul 10, 2023
    Beauty on the Main River Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities. CLASSIC Join a Guided Walking Tour of a picturesque Bavarian village.AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO WÜRZBURG (B,L,D)
  7. Day 7
    WÜRZBURG
    Tue, Jul 11, 2023
    A Perfect Day in the Pearl of the Romantic RoadCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg with its Old Main Bridge, towering fortress, and baroque Bishop’s Residenz—with the largest known ceiling fresco.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the beautiful Bavarian town of Rothenburg. See the local sights and enjoy the fairytale atmosphere that has inspired artists. Enjoy live entertainment on board as you set sail for Bamberg. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BAMBERG (B,L,D)
  8. Day 8
    BAMBERG
    Wed, Jul 12, 2023
    The City of Seven HillsCLASSIC Take a Guided Walking Tour of the historic home to imperial dynasties, and see its Romanesque cathedral, Old Town Hall, and seven hills crowned with churches.After the tour, spend free time with a glass of German-style Rauchbier (smoked beer).EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO NUREMBERG(B,L,D)
  9. Day 9
    NUREMBERG. EXCURSION TO MUNICH
    Thu, Jul 13, 2023
    A King’s Palace and Town HallsCLASSIC Take a full-day Guided Tour of the highlights of fascinating Munich. See Nymphenburg Palace—a former residence of German monarchs, along with the old and new Town Halls of Marienplatz.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN NUREMBERG(B,D)
  10. Day 10
    ROTH. EXCURSION TO NUREMBERG
    Fri, Jul 14, 2023
    Legends and History LessonsVisit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.ACTIVE Explore Roth's Lauter valley with your Adventure Host, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the Bavarian town of Roth—with its half-timbered houses, market square, and 1535 hunting lodge Schloss Ratibor, OR:CLASSIC Choose a Guided Tour of Nuremberg’s medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle, OR:CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds—used by the Third Reich.DISCOVERY Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the Main-Danube Canal—linking these two rivers to make a vital connection enabling navigation between the North and Black Seas. AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO REGENSBURG (B,L,D)
  11. Day 11
    REGENSBURG
    Sat, Jul 15, 2023
    Bavaria’s Medieval MiracleCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk and see Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) and Porta Pretoria—built in 179 AD as the entrance to Castra Regina fortress.You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the Benedictine Monastery in Weltenburg. Alternatively spend a free afternoon exploring Regensburg on foot or by bike through its charming streets.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PASSAU(B,L,D)
  12. Day 12
    PASSAU
    Sun, Jul 16, 2023
    Where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz Rivers MeetCLASSIC Join a Guided City Walk to learn more about this beautiful “City of Three Rivers.”Alternatively, join a full day Guided Optional Excursion to Salzburg—the city of Mozart—or to the picturesque Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov.Sail to Linz this afternoon, or join your ship after your selected full-day excursion.LINZ, AUSTRIALegendary, Lovely LinzEnjoy a free afternoon to linger in Linz. Take a bicycle from the ship and cycle along the Danube, or follow one of Linz’s many nature trails for a bird’s-eye view of the city and river below.Later, enjoy live entertainment onboard.OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO MELK(B,L,D)
  13. Day 13
    MELK–WACHAU VALLEY
    Mon, Jul 17, 2023
    Frescoes Above and Vineyards Below ACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Morning Hike through Melk’s beautiful countryside, OR: CLASSIC Take a Guided Tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey to marvel at its frescoed ceilings, statues, incredible library, and ornate pipe organ.Enjoy a coffee or a cocktail on the Sky Deck as you sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Vienna.VIENNAViennese Waltzes on the Blue DanubeThis evening, you may choose to attend an Optional Excursion to a Royal Waltz Concert for an unforgettable evening of music in an elegant hall.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN VIENNA (B,L,D)
  14. Day 14
    VIENNA
    Tue, Jul 18, 2023
    Royal Collections, and Amusing Attractions ACTIVE Explore Vienna's Danube Island by bike with your Adventure Host, OR: Ask about today’s energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.CLASSIC Explore the Habsburg empire this morning on a Guided City Tour of Vienna’s gilded landmarks. See the Imperial Palace complex—the winter residence of the Imperial Family, the iconic Vienna Opera House and stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral.Join a Guided Optional Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace— summer home of the Habsburg Empire. Enjoy free time to take a tram to visit Vienna’s Prater amusement park or one of the many museums nearby. You may also borrow a bike from ship to explore Vienna’s square or the banks of the Danube. Later, relax on board with live entertainment as you sail to Budapest. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
  15. Day 15
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
    Wed, Jul 19, 2023
    War Heroes and Hot WaterACTIVE Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a walk along the Danube river and around Melk, OR:CLASSIC Enjoy a Guided City Sightseeing, including the iconic Heroes’ Square.This afternoon, select from a variety of Guided Optional or spend free time soaking in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths. Consider a scenic hike above the Danube, or enjoy Budapest’s cafés, pubs or nightlife.OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BUDAPEST(B,L,D)
  16. Day 16
    BUDAPEST (DISEMBARKATION)
    Thu, Jul 20, 2023
    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, France, Germany

Rivers Visited

Main, Rhine, Danube

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Inclusions

  • In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
  • Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.


Accommodation Information

Gateway city for arrivals is Zurich.

Port charges:
$450

Gratuities to Local Guides & Excursion Drivers are included on Avalon portion only.

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Today's world has changed, but what remains certain is Avalon Waterways' commitment to guest safety, comfort and peace-of-mind while traveling with us. To that end, Avalon Waterways has established a worldwide Assurance program, with enhanced on-trip protocols and procedures, to ensure the health – and happiness – of guests throughout their travels with us.

It all starts with Avalon Waterways' Global Health & Safety Team, dedicated to ensuring that cleanliness of all operations exceeds today’s travel standards—from start to finish. The following areas address Avalon Waterways' commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for guests.

WELCOME ABOARD

New embarkation procedures to offer guests a safe start to their journey, including:

  • Social distancing throughout embarkation
  • Mandatory health screening, including touch-free temperature-check, for all guests and crew
  • Luggage disinfection prior to onboarding (with crew wearing gloves and masks)

FRESH AIR, INSIDE AND OUT:

In addition to Avalon Waterways' Open-Air staterooms, the air in the ships is not circulated between staterooms; only within an individual stateroom and mixed with fresh, outside air.

BLENDING CULTURAL PROXIMITY WITH SOCIAL DISTANCE:

New social distancing guidelines for guests throughout their Avalon cruise include:

  • Reducing ship capacity as required for more space on board per guest
  • Introducing more dining venues for more dining space per person
  • Crew wearing masks for the duration of the cruise during any guest interaction
  • Providing masks for guests to wear during any event where social proximity could become an issue, including disembarkation for excursions and safety drills
  • Adjusting ratio of guides and coaches for excursions, as required

NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS:

  • Electrostatic disinfecting systems
  • UV disinfecting systems

TOUCHING HEARTS, NOT HANDS:

Reducing risk with hands-free service, including:

  • More hand-sanitizing stations throughout the ship
  • Required use of hand-sanitizing stations when leaving the ship, returning to the ship and entering dining venues as well as entering each public/common space
  • Self-serve stations, including buffets, drinks, specialty coffees and snacks have been replaced with crew service
  • All buffets (breakfast and lunch) replaced by a full range of á la carte menu choices
  • Hourly (or more frequent) disinfection of all public areas

COMMITMENT TO THE CLEANEST SHIPS:

Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout each ship, including these additional steps that go above-and-beyond Avalon’s already strict procedures:

  • Deep disinfection of each stateroom between cruises, including:
    • Use of disinfectants and cleaning materials that meet the highest standards
    • Soft goods in each stateroom (mattress, sofa, window coverings, chairs, etc.) disinfected between cruises
  • Disinfection of all dining areas between meals
  • Disinfection of all shared items like umbrellas, bicycles and other Adventure Center items
  • Disinfection of all goods prior to loading on the ship
  • Ongoing crew training in protective equipment use and hygiene

FOCUS ON CREW HEALTH:

Ensuring a healthy crew, including:

  • Medical certificate required prior to start of contract
  • Daily temperature checks
  • Social distancing in crew living quarters
  • Regular health screenings

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
3.9
Accommodations
3.9
Itinerary
3.9
Professional Staff
4.1
Repeat with Operator
3.9
Value for Money
3.6

Ratings based off 7 reviews - currently showing 2 reviews with comments only

Internet was only available inside boat in many cases, on upper deck and anywhere outside it was spotty. The crew members were awesome. This was our first cruise with Avalon, we had previously cruised with another company on the Rhine, but were joining our friends who had already selected Avalon, and we were pleased with it.

Loved the River cruise venue. Intimate, quiet, and friendly.

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